Neighborhood Notes – New Vet Continues a 34-Year Tradition of Service to Pets at West Olympia Pet Hospital

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By Gale Hemmann

van dorm sponsorAs any animal lover can tell you, a good veterinary clinic is about much more than medicine. Yes, a veterinarian provides critical medical care to your four-legged loved one. But it is also so important that they treat animals kindly, build relationships with customers, and create a welcoming environment. Your pet is a family member, and a terrific veterinary clinic understands that.

For these reasons, and many more, the West Olympia Pet Hospital has been a trusted place for local pets’ needs since 1980. The clinic was opened by Dr. Jeffrey Mitchell, DVM. He ran the clinic for over three decades before passing away unexpectedly in 2013. During those years, he built a loyal following of pet owners for his compassion and skill. “He was one of those rare people who had both great surgical skills with animals and great interactions with clients. He treated us like a family,” says Aleisha Wilson, office manager and veterinary technician.

west olympia pet hospital
The West Olympia Pet Hospital Staff with Dr. Nathanial Stewart, who is taking over ownership of the clinic. His veterinary expertise and caring demeanor have already been embraced by both staff and the local community.

While many local residents were saddened to hear of Dr. Mitchell’s passing, there is a happy new chapter to this story. An enthusiastic new vet, Dr. Nathanial Stewart, DVM, has stepped in to help the clinic keep going as strong as ever. So far, it’s been a great fit, and a wonderful blessing to the many people around town who have come to depend on West Olympia Pet Hospital’s care for their animals. Dr. Stewart has kept all of the original staff, and has worked tirelessly to keep the clinic running smoothly during the time of transition. “He’s been really supportive and great,” notes Wilson. “We are lucky to have him step in to operate the clinic.”

Meeting Dr. Stewart: New Vet Brings Dedication, Ample Experience

I stopped by the West Olympia Pet Hospital to meet with Dr. Stewart who took time out of his busy day to chat with me. Pleasant and upbeat, it is easy to see why clients are taking to him so quickly.

Dr. Stewart brings 14 years of veterinary experience to his practice at West Olympia Pet Hospital. He received his veterinary education at Washington State University. He has worked in both emergency and general veterinary medicine. Wilson says it is a wonderful gift to have both his strong medical and leadership skills at the clinic.

Stewart is excited about taking on the role of veterinarian and owner at the West Olympia Pet Hospital. “My goal right now is to make sure everyone – pets, people and staff – are taken care of,” he says. He understands how important animal companions are to their humans. Stewart notes, “We try to treat animals with the same amount of care we would want for ourselves.” He also works to help rescue local animals in need – the clinic currently has three “office cats” who live there while looking for permanent homes.

Dr. Stewart lives with his wife, Linda, and their two sons, Ethan and Shaun, in the Roy area. They have several animals at home – a Great Dane, a Dachshund, a Pomeranian, two cats, four horses and five koi fish. Clearly, Dr. Stewart is thoroughly an “animal person.”

When he’s not busy with veterinary work, Dr. Stewart enjoys life in South Sound including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and martial arts

Remembering Dr. Jeff Mitchell

west olympia pet hospital
Dr. Jeff Mitchell started the West Olympia Pet Hospital over 30 years ago. He is known for his dedication to animals and his compassion as a person.

Dr. Mitchell was a well-loved and active member of the Olympia community. Originally from Illinois, Dr. Mitchell loved the beauty of the Northwest and eventually made it his home (he was known for being an avid fan of both the Chicago Cubs and the Seattle Mariners). He loved horses and the great outdoors. He was also known for dedicating his time and resources to help with wildlife rescue in the area.

Of course, he is probably best-known for being a compassionate and skilled veterinarian to many animals in Olympia. He originally founded his practice as the West Olympia Animal Hospital, and the name later changed to West Olympia Pet Hospital. Many locals can tell you stories of how Dr. Mitchell helped their pet. When I asked Wilson one thing she thinks people would remember Dr. Mitchell by, she said “he was always going above and beyond to help others.”

A Legacy of Great Service Continues

One amazing aspect of the transition at West Olympia Pet Hospital is that Dr. Stewart is not just keeping the original staff, but also the same spirit and values of the clinic. Stewart says that it is of great importance to “preserve the legacy” left by Dr. Mitchell of running a great hospital. Wilson says she is happy to see that the focus on client relationships will continue. “It’s always been such an important part of working here, and Dr. Stewart absolutely shares that value.”

If it takes two things to become a great veterinarian – skill and heart – it seems both Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Stewart are cut from the same cloth. As are the rest of the staff at the West Olympia Pet Hospital. Wilson says, “We’re an extremely close-knit group. We are all dedicated to helping animals and getting to know the people and animals who are our clients.” Wilson has worked at the clinic for 12 years and is enthusiastic about seeing it continue under Dr. Stewart’s leadership.

west olympia pet hospital
The West Olympia Pet Hospital has been a top spot for veterinary care in Olympia for its long-standing reputation for quality. This tradition will be continued under the new ownership.

So, whether you are already a loyal client of West Olympia Pet Hospital or are looking for a vet, you’ll be happy to know that the legacy of top-notch care the clinic has become known for over the years will continue. When your animal needs veterinary attention, Dr. Stewart and his staff looking forward to serving you.

West Olympia Pet Hospital

1602 Harrison Ave NW in Olympia

(360) 352-4414

You can also find the West Olympia Pet Hospital on Facebook.

 

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